Greenfield Township supervisor Joseph Claar, is seeking election as Blair County Commissioner. The East Freedom resident wants to bring jobs to Blair County.
“We have gone so many years in which out county let jobs and businesses get away,” said Claar. “We need someone to put a full time effort into getting new jobs and retaining the jobs we have in this competitive market.”
Claar believes that jobs is the top priority facing the county.
“We need to look to help small businesses get started here in Blair County,” said Claar. “We need to look at giving small business the same opportunities that big business has been given for years. Small businesses tend to stay in the area and we will have the opportunity to help them grow.”
Claar believes that tax breaks are a good incentive to lure new business to Blair County.
“I think tax breaks work to a certain extent,” said Claar. “Many times big business will take advantage of the tax breaks and when they run out, they cut and run. We need small businesses to locate in Blair County. Small business forms the base of the economy in Blair County. We have quality manpower here in Blair County. We have a lot to offer any business that wants to locate here. We have a great work force that is looking to work.”
With property taxes assessed at 1958 levels, Claar believes that there needs to be a reassessment of the tax code.
“We must get to current standards,” said Claar. “The county needs revenue to work to obtain and provide the services that is needed by our citizens. We need to move from antiquated policies on taxes to 2003 levels and look to the future.”
After serving four years as a Greenfield Township supervisor, Claar believes that he is ready to serve the county as a commissioner.
“I will be dedicated and hard working,” said Claar. “I will be punctual and reliable. I will work for the county and not for my self. There have been commissioners who have worked a couple hours a day for the county and then golfed the rest of the day. That is not how I will operate. I will work full time as a commissioner to serve the people of Blair County.”
Claar is on the Democratic ballot in the November election.
